We recently took at weekend to get out there and find some adventure.
Bikepacking is the ultimate combination of cycling and backpacking, an authentic way to explore remote areas and enjoy the great outdoors. The idea is simple, pack everything you need on your bike and hit the trail, camping wherever you choose along the way. It's a unique way to experience the wilderness and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
Located in Kosciusko National Park, Long Plain is a stunning location known for its vast plains, rugged mountains, and pristine streams. The landscape is a mix of alpine meadows, eucalypt forests, and snow-capped peaks (in the winter season). It's an ideal destination for bikepacking enthusiasts and beginners who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
During our trip to Long Plain, we explored several hikers' huts, including Millers Hut, Hainworth Hut, and Bill Jones Hut. These huts are a great place to stop for a rest, have a snack, and enjoy the stunning views. They also provide shelter from the elements if you need it (although sleeping inside them is not allowed). Each hut has its own unique history and adds to the charm of the area.
We camped near Bill Jones Hut and were treated to an unforgettable night sky. The stars were so bright that we could see the Milky Way stretching across the sky. It was a magical experience that made us appreciate the beauty of the universe and our place in it.
One of the highlights of our trip was seeing brumbies in the wild. These wild horses are an iconic part of the Australian landscape and it's really cool watching them roam freely.
Riding bikes is sweaty work so we finished the trip in the incredible Yarrangobilly thermal pool - ooft! Much needed. The pool stays a constant 27 degrees all year round so it was a welcome relief from the heat and it didn't hurt to get wet before a long drive home to Sydney and Newcastle.
Resources
Hey, maybe this bikepacking thing is up your alley too. There are loads of great resources out there and you truly don't need all the speccy gear under the sun to get it done!
Here are a few things we found useful for getting started:
General
Bikepacking 101 - by bikepacking.com this guide is a great way to get started and suggests some neat work-arounds for your first trip
AdVANture ST (Youtube channel) - Tim makes really nice and thought out videos documenting trips with his mates and is proof you can ride most types of bikes on an overnight adventure.
Desire Lines Cycling Club - A great Aussie resource for overnight routes and is a very nice viewing experience just for the website alone.
We Are Explorers - If you're looking to get outside then this is the website you need to check out. Not purely bikepacking focused but there are some great articles and routes there to get you started.
Long Plain Resources
5 Alpine Huts in 2 Days (We Are Explorers) - This is what we based our trip on
Map of route (RidewithGPS) - Get the app, follow the map